NHL Status Report: Kucherov game-time decision for Lightning

Carrier out 2-4 weeks for Canadiens; Makar leaves Avalanche game with injury

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:22pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a hockey game, with players and the rink broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant blues, reds, and greens.Injuries to star players like Kucherov, Carrier, and Makar could reshape the NHL playoff picture in the final stretch of the season.Philadelphia Today

The latest lineup and injury news around the NHL, including Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov being a game-time decision, Montreal Canadiens defenseman Alexandre Carrier being out 2-4 weeks, and Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar sustaining an upper-body injury.

Why it matters

Injuries and lineup decisions can have a significant impact on teams' playoff positioning and chances, especially as the NHL regular season winds down. Monitoring the status of star players like Kucherov and Makar is crucial for fans and analysts to understand how these developments may affect the playoff race.

The details

Kucherov, who is second in the NHL in scoring with 121 points, has missed the past two games with an illness but took part in the morning skate and is hopeful to play against the Canadiens. Carrier will be out 2-4 weeks due to an upper-body injury, while Makar sustained an upper-body injury after being hit by Flames forward Adam Klapka and did not return to the game.

  • Kucherov will be a game-time decision for the Lightning's game against the Canadiens on Tuesday (7 p.m. ET).
  • Carrier will be out 2-4 weeks after playing 19:05 in the Canadiens' 3-1 win against the Hurricanes on Monday.
  • Makar was injured in the Avalanche's 9-2 win against the Flames on Monday, with his final shift coming with 5:28 left in the second period.

The players

Nikita Kucherov

A forward for the Tampa Bay Lightning who is second in the NHL in scoring with 121 points (40 goals, 81 assists).

Alexandre Carrier

A defenseman for the Montreal Canadiens who has 22 points (7 goals, 15 assists) in 73 games this season.

Cale Makar

A defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche who had three assists in the team's 9-2 win against the Flames on Monday before sustaining an upper-body injury.

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What they’re saying

“Upper body. (Makar) went out to get evaluated, we'll know more (Tuesday).”

— Jared Bednar, Avalanche coach

“Just a relief. It's been a long journey, so, yeah, the excitement, just happy it worked out. It has worked out up to now, and I'm feeling great.”

— Jordan Greenway, Buffalo Sabres forward

“He's feeling a lot better. He's been involved in a lot of non-practice physicality drills that he's looked really good. He's skated really well.”

— Lindy Ruff, Buffalo Sabres coach

What’s next

The Avalanche will provide an update on Makar's status on Tuesday, while the Sabres are hopeful Greenway will return to the lineup against the Islanders.

The takeaway

Injuries to key players like Kucherov, Carrier, and Makar could have significant impacts on their teams' playoff positioning and chances as the NHL regular season winds down. Monitoring the status of star players will be crucial for fans and analysts in the final stretch.